Retiree December 2020 Paycheck Flyer

New Logo, Same Commitment! 

LACERS is proud to announce the launch of our new logo and brand identity as part of the ongoing evolution of our organization. We have grown and evolved over this past year, and we are refreshing our brand to better reflect who we are. After careful consideration, we have chosen a new logo that is modern with key elements that convey our mission and orientation for growth, while remaining true to our commitment to our Members! Going forward you will see the above logo gradually incorporated into all official LACERS communications.

Medicare Part B Deductible For 2021

For 2021, the Medicare Part B annual deductible will be $203.00 for Members and dependents enrolled in the LACERS Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Medicare Plan (Medicare Supplement) and the Anthem Blue Cross PPO plan (with only Medicare Part B). This deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance starts covering the costs for your healthcare expenses. 

What counts towards the Medicare Part B deductible? 

Medical services and supplies count towards the Medicare Part B deductible.

WHAT does not count towards the Medicare Part B deductible? 

Co-payments associated with medical services or prescriptions covered by Medicare Part B do not apply towards the Medicare Part B deductible. 

Members over 65 enrolled in Anthem Blue Cross PPO out-of-country plan 

Members over the age of 65 and enrolled in the Anthem Blue Cross PPO Out-of-Country plan do not have to pay the Medicare Part B deductible. However, you are subject to the $500/per person annual deductible implemented by Anthem Blue Cross.

What Medicare Part B covers 

Visit medicare.gov and select the What Medicare Covers to find information on the types of medical services covered by Medicare Part B.  You may also call Medicare and speak with a customer service representative at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Medicare Part B Premium for 2021

As a reminder, all retired Members and their dependents that are eligible for Medicare and enrolled in a LACERS plan are required to enroll in Medicare Part B. Retired Members enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B with at least 10 years of Service who are enrolled in a LACERS Senior medical plan or participate in the Medical Premium Reimbursement Program (MPRP) are eligible for a reimbursement of their basic Medicare Part B premium. For 2021, the standard (basic) Medicare Part B premium amount will be $148.50 per month (not including Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAAs) and late enrollment penalties). 

If you are a Retiree whose Medicare Part B premium is deducted from your Social Security benefit check and it is less than $148.50 a month, you will need to submit proof of the amount to LACERS so that your reimbursement amount can be adjusted. An audit regarding Part B reimbursements will be conducted in 2021.

Not eligible to receive basic Medicare Part B premium reimbursement 

Surviving Spouses/Domestic Partners and health plan dependents are not eligible to receive a reimbursement unless they are also a Retiree with at least 10 years of Service.

Retirees enrolled only in Medicare Part B are not eligible to receive a reimbursement and do not need to submit proof of enrollment.

LACERS 1099-Rs TO BE MAILED BY THE END OF JANUARY                                  

LACERS will complete its mailing of 1099-R tax documents to retirees and beneficiaries by the end of January 2021. Please note that 1099-Rs are sent only to the address on file with LACERS. If you have changed your address or plan to, update your address as soon as possible by submitting a ‘Change of Address’ form that is accessible at lacers.org/forms.

In the event that you do not receive your 1099-R, the earliest that you may request a duplicate 1099-R to be mailed to you is the second week of February. Also, you may view your

1099-R on your MyLACERS online portal account at your convenience beginning in February.